The New York Times, which first reported the development, said Ty Cobb would be replaced by veteran Washington lawyer Emmet Flood, adding that his hiring has not been made final.

Cobb’s announced departure is the latest in a series from the president’s legal team amid an internal debate over whether or not Trump should agree to be interviewed by Mueller.

“For several weeks Ty Cobb has been discussing his retirement and last week he let Chief of Staff (John) Kelly know he would retire at the end of this month,” White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said.

Cobb took the lead of the White House team after the previous lead lawyer, John Dowd, quit in March convinced that Trump was not following his advice.

Dowd vehemently opposed Trump submitting to an interview, but the US president at the time was reportedly inclined to talk to the special prosecutor, believing it would lead to a quicker end to the probe.

Former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani joined the president’s legal team last month, amid reports he intends to negotiate with Mueller on an interview with Trump.